Navigating international documentation can be confusing and time-consuming—especially when it involves official U.S. documents that need to be accepted abroad. Whether you’re moving overseas for work, marriage, study, or business, you’ll likely need your documents authenticated with an apostille.

This is where a trusted Apostille Agent like Rais Apostille becomes invaluable. In this guide, we’ll explain what an apostille is, why it’s essential, and how working with a professional agent can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

What Is an Apostille Agent?

An Apostille Agent is a professional or agency that assists individuals and organizations with obtaining an apostille certification on official U.S. documents. An apostille is a form of authentication that confirms the legitimacy of a public document, making it legally valid in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Instead of navigating multiple government agencies on your own, an apostille agent handles the process for you, ensuring that your documents meet international standards quickly and correctly.

Why Do You Need an Apostille in the USA?

If you’re planning to use U.S.-issued documents in another country that is a Hague Convention member, you’ll likely need an apostille. Some common reasons include:

Studying abroad
Getting married overseas
Applying for dual citizenship
Starting a job internationally
Conducting international business
Buying property abroad

Typical documents that require an apostille:

U.S. birth and marriage certificates
FBI background checks
Power of attorney documents
Diplomas and transcripts
Corporate documents (Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing)

Why Choose a Professional Apostille Agent Like Rais Apostille?

✅ Faster Turnaround

Government offices can be slow. At Rais Apostille, we expedite the process through established channels, reducing wait times significantly—often from weeks to just a few business days.

✅ Error-Free Service

Submitting incorrect documents or forms can lead to rejection and delays. Apostille agents are experts in document preparation, ensuring everything is correct the first time.

✅ Convenience

Avoid making multiple trips to local, state, or federal offices. We handle every step—certification, notarization, apostille—on your behalf.

✅ Nationwide Service

We assist clients from all 50 states. No matter where you’re located in the U.S., we can help get your documents apostilled and delivered securely.

✅ International Compliance

Each country has different requirements. We ensure your documents meet the specific legal standards of your destination country.

Who Uses Apostille Agents in the USA?

🎓 Students

Need to submit transcripts, diplomas, or recommendation letters for foreign universities? Apostille agents ensure educational documents are ready for international institutions.

💼 Professionals

Going abroad for work? Apostille services for employment letters, background checks, and credentials are essential.

💍 Couples

Getting married overseas or applying for spousal visas? Apostilles for birth certificates, marriage licenses, and affidavits of single status are commonly required.

🏢 Businesses

Expanding internationally? Apostilles for corporate resolutions, legal contracts, or IRS documents ensure smooth global operations.

How Apostille Works in the USA

Depending on the document and its origin, the apostille process can vary. Here’s how Rais Apostille helps:

1. Identify Document Type

We determine whether the document requires notarization, state-level certification, or federal apostille (e.g., FBI reports).

2. Prepare & Verify

We review your documents for accuracy, guide you through notarization (if required), and prepare them for submission.

3. Apostille Issuance

We submit your documents to the correct authority:

State Secretary of State (for state-issued documents)
U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. (for federal documents)

4. Shipping

We securely return your apostilled documents via tracked mail, including international shipping if needed.

Apostille Agent vs. DIY: What’s the Better Option?

Feature	Apostille Agent (Rais Apostille)	Do It Yourself
Processing Speed	Fast (2–5 business days)	Slow (up to 4 weeks)
Accuracy	High (expert-verified)	Risk of errors
Support	End-to-end assistance	Self-research
Convenience	Door-to-door	In-person visits to offices
Country-Specific Knowledge	Yes	Limited

Verdict: While DIY might seem cheaper, the risk of errors, delays, and multiple rejections often ends up costing more in the long run.

Most Common Documents We Apostille

State-Issued Documents:

Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Death Certificates
Divorce Decrees

Federal Documents:

FBI Background Checks
IRS Documents
Certificates from U.S. Federal Courts

Educational Documents:

Diplomas & Degrees
Transcripts
Enrollment Verifications

Corporate Documents:

Articles of Incorporation
Certificates of Good Standing
Business Licenses

Notarized Personal Documents:

Power of Attorney
Affidavits
Adoption Papers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be recognized in a foreign country that’s a member of the Hague Convention.

❓ Who issues apostilles in the U.S.?

State-issued documents: The Secretary of State in the state where the document originated.
Federal documents: The U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

❓ How long does it take to get an apostille?

At Rais Apostille, processing times typically range from 2 to 5 business days, depending on the document and issuing authority.

❓ Do I need to be in the U.S. to get a document apostilled?

No. We offer international services. Even if you’re currently abroad, you can mail your documents to us, and we’ll return them once apostilled.

❓ Is an apostille valid in all countries?

Only in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For countries not in the convention (e.g., UAE, China), embassy legalization is required instead.

Real Customer Feedback

“I needed my FBI background check apostilled for Spain and Rais Apostille handled everything quickly and professionally.” – Michael R., Florida

“They saved me so much time. I didn’t even have to leave my house. Highly recommended!” – Linda T., California

Conclusion: Apostille Agents Simplify International Legalization

Whether you’re pursuing international education, employment, marriage, or business, having properly authenticated documents is non-negotiable. A single error can cause weeks of delays or even a visa rejection.

With Rais Apostille, you don’t have to worry. We bring expertise, speed, and peace of mind to every document we handle. Let our professional apostille agents take care of the bureaucracy—so you can focus on your goals.

✉️ Contact Rais Apostille Today

✅ Fast Turnaround
✅ Nationwide U.S. Service
✅ Secure Shipping
✅ Free Consultation